Topic Editors

Department of Tourism Management, College of Business Administration, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
Prof. Dr. Jellna Chung
Department of Global Hotel Management, Endicott College, Woosong University, Daejeon 34606, Republic of Korea
Dr. Tulsi Paudel
Department of Tourism and Recreation, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung City 833, Taiwan

Rethinking Future Studies in Tourism and Hospitality: Critical Insights and Paradigm Shifts for a New Era

Abstract submission deadline
closed (31 October 2025)
Manuscript submission deadline
closed (31 December 2025)
Viewed by
18534

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The future of tourism and hospitality is increasingly shaped by a wide range of complex factors, including environmental concerns, technological disruptions, shifting consumer values, and growing social responsibilities. As the world undergoes rapid transformation, the need to rethink the foundations of tourism and hospitality has become more urgent than ever before.

Thus, this Topic invites scholars to critically examine how the future of the industry can be envisioned and shaped in ways that are more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable. It particularly encourages convergent and interdisciplinary perspectives that integrate insights from diverse domains such as sociology, environmental science, business, technology, cultural studies, and design.

Key areas of focus include not only the climate crisis and carbon neutrality but also the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies such as AI and automation; the growing significance of ethical, value-driven consumption; and the increasing diversity of consumer needs and expectations in travel behavior.

This Topic also welcomes contributions that challenge and expand traditional tourism concepts, calling for interdisciplinary approaches that draw from fields such as sociology, philosophy, technology, business, and environmental studies.

As tourism continues to evolve, there is a clear need to explore how it can align more closely with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and contribute not only to economic growth but also to social inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and community well-being.

By rethinking the future through ecological, technological, ethical, social, and economic lenses, this Topic aims to inspire new paradigms and practices that will shape tourism and hospitality as a field, an industry, and a driver of positive change.

Topics of Interest

  • Critical approaches to future studies in tourism and hospitality;
  • Sustainable and regenerative tourism futures;
  • Carbon-neutral tourism and climate-conscious strategies;
  • AI, automation, and technology’s impact on tourism labor and experience;
  • Interdisciplinarity and convergence;
  • Ethical consumption and value-driven travel;
  • Shifting consumer behaviors, values, and lifestyle trends;
  • Interdisciplinary methodologies for future scenario planning;
  • Tourism through ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks.

Prof. Dr. Yeong Gug Kim
Prof. Dr. Jellna Chung
Dr. Tulsi Paudel
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • sustainable tourism
  • ethical consumption
  • ESG (environmental, social, and governance)
  • development and application of technology
  • interdisciplinary research
  • value-driven travel
  • critical tourism studies

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Administrative Sciences
admsci
3.1 5.6 2011 21.3 Days CHF 1600
Businesses
businesses
- - 2021 24.4 Days CHF 1000
Societies
societies
1.6 3.0 2011 29.9 Days CHF 1600
Sustainability
sustainability
3.3 7.7 2009 17.9 Days CHF 2400
Tourism and Hospitality
tourismhosp
- 3.7 2020 18.7 Days CHF 1400

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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17 pages, 298 KB  
Article
Overtourism in Bali and Lombok: A Governance and Community Perspective on Challenges and Strategies for Sustainable Development
by Rudy Pramono, Juliana Juliana, Meitolo Hulu, Arifin Djakasaputra and Ferry Jie
Societies 2026, 16(2), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16020065 (registering DOI) - 14 Feb 2026
Abstract
The rapid expansion of tourism in Bali and Lombok has precipitated a state of overtourism, critically challenging their ecological and socio-cultural carrying capacities. This study, conducted between 2023 and 2024, employs a qualitative case study approach to investigate the manifestations of overtourism and [...] Read more.
The rapid expansion of tourism in Bali and Lombok has precipitated a state of overtourism, critically challenging their ecological and socio-cultural carrying capacities. This study, conducted between 2023 and 2024, employs a qualitative case study approach to investigate the manifestations of overtourism and the efficacy of prevailing mitigation strategies. Data were collected through 32 in-depth interviews, four focus group discussions, and extensive field observations across key destinations in both islands. The findings reveal that overtourism is not merely a function of high visitor numbers but a symptom of systemic governance failure. Key manifestations include acute environmental degradation, the commodification of cultural heritage, and significant economic leakage that marginalizes local communities. These issues are exacerbated by fragmented policy, weak regulatory enforcement, and the exclusion of local voices from tourism planning. The study concludes that technical solutions such as visitor quotas are insufficient without a fundamental governance paradigm shift. Effective mitigation requires an integrated approach centered on strict carrying capacity enforcement, genuine community empowerment through Community-Based Tourism (CBT), and the strategic use of digital tools for visitor dispersion. This research provides an empirically grounded framework that underscores the imperative of a fundamental governance paradigm shift, aligning tourism development in island destinations with the principles of sustainability and equity. Full article
36 pages, 2796 KB  
Article
Advancing Sustainable Tourism Through Smart Wheelchair Optimization: A Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Framework for Inclusive Travel
by Pannee Suanpang, Thanatchai Kulworawanichpong, Chanchai Techawatcharapaikul, Pitchaya Jamjuntr, Fazida Karim and Kittisak Wongmahesak
Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9458; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219458 - 24 Oct 2025
Viewed by 2035
Abstract
Accessible tourism is a critical aspect of sustainable development, yet many Southeast Asian destinations lack sufficient infrastructure and services for elderly and disabled travelers. This study develops a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) framework to optimize travel itineraries, balancing cost, accessibility, and cultural–environmental priorities. [...] Read more.
Accessible tourism is a critical aspect of sustainable development, yet many Southeast Asian destinations lack sufficient infrastructure and services for elderly and disabled travelers. This study develops a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) framework to optimize travel itineraries, balancing cost, accessibility, and cultural–environmental priorities. A national accessibility database for Thailand was created, encompassing airports, hospitals, public transport nodes, cultural landmarks, and natural attractions. Compared to baseline conventional itineraries—defined as standard travel routes planned without specific accessibility considerations or optimization techniques—the MILP-optimized routes reduce average travel time by 15–20% and improve accessibility scores by 25%. Sensitivity analyses reveal trade-offs between economic efficiency, inclusivity, and infrastructure capacity, while a schematic accessibility network highlights structural fragmentation among airports, hospitals, and secondary attractions. Scenario analyses show that stricter accessibility thresholds improve inclusivity (index: 0.65 to 0.80) but restrict destination options, whereas high-demand scenarios increase costs and reduce inclusivity. A survey of 30 smart wheelchair users indicates high satisfaction with individualized programs and GPS connectivity. These findings underscore the need for investment in multimodal integration, accessibility upgrades, and a national database to enhance inclusive tourism planning. The framework is transferable to other ASEAN countries, contributing to SDG 3, 8, and 11. Overall, this study should be viewed as a prototype or exploratory contribution, with limitations in real-time applicability, generalizability, and implementation of environmental and ethical aspects. Full article
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20 pages, 323 KB  
Article
Didactic and Pedagogical Aspects of Tourism Training Programs in Portugal: Conceptual Analysis of Study Plans
by Gonçalo Maia Marques
Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(3), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6030138 - 12 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2516
Abstract
Higher education in tourism plays a pivotal role in the development of the tourism sector in Portugal—one of the country’s most vital economic pillars. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the adoption of innovative teaching methodologies by higher education institutions, [...] Read more.
Higher education in tourism plays a pivotal role in the development of the tourism sector in Portugal—one of the country’s most vital economic pillars. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the adoption of innovative teaching methodologies by higher education institutions, aiming to foster more dynamic and student-centered learning environments. This article analyzes, through a qualitative approach grounded in educational and social science research, the main pedagogical and didactic strategies employed in leading tourism programs across Portugal. Drawing on a content analysis of curricular unit descriptions and all relevant public pedagogical information available on official institutional websites, this study provides a critical overview of current didactic practices. Finally, the research reflects on the degree to which innovative teaching and research practices are integrated and discusses their alignment with recognized international standards and best practices. This study contributes to bridging a significant research gap by systematically linking pedagogical practice in Portuguese tourism programs with global educational standards. Full article
23 pages, 3053 KB  
Review
A Bibliometric Analysis of Service Quality in the Hospitality Industry (2014–2024)
by Olakunle Shakur Olawuyi and Carina Kleynhans
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15060215 - 30 May 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 12725
Abstract
Service quality is important for the survival of all businesses, including the hospitality business. Service quality can be measured by a model referred to as SERVQUAL, which comprises five parameters, namely, tangibility, reliability, assurance, empathy, and responsiveness. It is very important to examine [...] Read more.
Service quality is important for the survival of all businesses, including the hospitality business. Service quality can be measured by a model referred to as SERVQUAL, which comprises five parameters, namely, tangibility, reliability, assurance, empathy, and responsiveness. It is very important to examine publications to ascertain trends in service quality in the hospitality industry during the previous decade (2014–2024). Data were collected from the Scopus database, the article search having yielded 876 documents. The eligibility criteria were as follows: papers had to be published between 2014 and 2024, had to be written in English, and were restricted to articles, conference papers, book chapters, and review papers. The collected data were analyzed with the biblioshiny package in RStudio. The results revealed that the journal with the highest number of articles published during the period under study was Sustainability (Switzerland). Hong Kong Polytechnic was the institution with the highest number of publications vis-à-vis service quality in the hospitality industry, followed by Bina Nusantara University and Eastern Mediterranean University. It is notable that customer satisfaction featured prominently in different clusters, which emphasizes the fact that service quality is targeted at satisfying customers. Full article
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